February 2, 2018 - The City of Fort Wayne today provided an update on improvements with residential garbage and recycling collection efforts.

Fort Wayne’s new garbage and recycling contractor, Red River Waste Solutions, began providing services on January 2. At the time of the new contract, the City experienced record cold temperatures, snow and ice and new employees and drivers with Red River Waste Solutions learning the collection routes. All of those combined conditions resulted in some delays and missed pickups.

The City and Red River Waste Solutions apologize for any challenges that residents have experienced over the last month. We recognize there have been some issues and are working each day to address concerns. However, it’s not uncommon for there to be a transition period for a new provider and some misses are to be expected.

Over the past few weeks, calls to the City of Fort Wayne’s 311 Call Center have declined and the number of misses have decreased.

Residents are reminded to have garbage and recycling bins set out the night before their collection day as crews collect garbage and recycling anytime between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Even though residents may have become accustomed to having materials collected at a certain time, it’s important to have everything set out the night before to ensure garbage and recycling materials are collected, as the new contractor may be arriving at a different time.

Questions and concerns about missed pickups can be addressed by calling 311, visiting www.cityoffortwayne.org and clicking on the 311 icon and downloading the 311 mobile app.

The City’s Solid Waste Department has been in regular communication with neighborhood partnerships and associations and elected officials through this transition period and will continue proactive outreach to residents and neighborhoods. The department is committed to providing the best services possible to the public.

Last year, the Board of Public Works and City Council unanimously approved the contract with Red River Waste Solutions as they were the lowest and most responsive bidder.

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, representatives from the City’s Public Works Division and Red River Waste Solutions will provide a status report on the garbage and recycling program to City Council